ECI's citizenship verification in Bihar sparks legal, political backlash over fears of mass voter disenfranchisement before 2025 elections.

In its Supreme Court response to the Election Commission’s counterargument, the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) contended that the poll body’s assertion that it has the constitutional right to confirm voters’ citizenship while Bihar’s electoral rolls are undergoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) goes against earlier rulings. Noting that Aadhaar is commonly accepted when applying for passports, caste certificates and permanent residence documents, it further referred to the removal of Aadhaar and ration cards from the list of admissible documents as “patently absurd.”

EC’s Citizenship Verification in Bihar Sparks Legal and Political Storm

In an unprecedented move, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, marking the first such verification drive since 2003. The exercise mandates all voters who enrolled after the 2003 revision to submit one of 11 specific documents such as birth certificates, passports, or parental records as proof of Indian citizenship. This has led to widespread concern, with civil society groups like the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) filing a Public Interest Litigation in the Supreme Court, arguing that the directive violates constitutional rights and could disenfranchise over three crore voters, particularly from rural, poor and migrant backgrounds.

Legal Challenges and Supreme Court’s Concerns

The Supreme Court has questioned the EC’s authority to conduct citizenship verification, suggesting this task falls under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Justices also raised concerns about excluding commonly held IDs like Aadhaar and ration cards. While the EC claims the drive is essential to clean up the rolls and remove duplicate or ineligible entries, critics argue the timing so close to elections is politically sensitive and operationally risky.

Political Fallout and What Lies Ahead

As the roll revision wraps up, reports suggest that around 64 lakh names may be removed due to issues like death, duplication, or lack of verification. Opposition parties, including RJD, Congress, and TMC, have called the process illegal and discriminatory, accusing the EC of targeting vulnerable populations. The final draft roll will be published on August 1, with correction requests accepted until September 1. The Supreme Court will continue hearing the matter on July 28, a decision that could significantly impact voter eligibility practices nationwide.